POLICE were horrified by the extent of bruising to the body of a 94-year-old woman who died after being admitted to a care home for a short stay.

Following allegations of mistreatment police arranged to take a video statement from retired school dinner lady Elizabeth Sullivan but the recording equipment was not working.

She died three days later before it could be repaired. At that time Greater Manchester Police only had one mobile set of video equipment.

Ms Sullivan, from Dukinfield, had previously complained of mistreatment by a male member of staff at the Mellor Court Residential Care Home, Mellor Street, Ashton under Lyne. On one occasion she told her GP she had been grappled and squeezed by staff.

When concerns were raised about Ms Sullivan's care Tameside social services introduced the vulnerable adult procedure, which notifies police of serious concerns about the care of an elderly person.

Three men were arrested and questioned, but there was not enough evidence to bring any charges. They all now work in different care homes, one as a manager.

Social worker Carol Zimmerman, who found Ms Sullivan without her top dentures and hearing aid and sitting in her own faeces during one visit, described her injuries as "appalling". Ms Sullivan also had a gash to her leg, which, despite being bandaged, was bleeding. Staff said she had banged it against a wheelchair into which they were attempting to put her.

An inquest into Ms Sullivan's death, held at Stockport magistrates' court, also heard that police were unable to develop pictures of her injuries. The hearing was told it was the only time in 28 years that had happened.

Ms Sullivan, who was described as in good health for her age, died in Tameside General Hospital on June 2 last year after a stroke. Pathologist Naomi Carter told the hearing elderly people have thin skin that bruises easily. But she added: "There were rather more bruises than I would have expected with normal nursing care."

Det Insp Derek Weaver of Tameside police said he was "horrified" by the extent of bruising to Ms Sullivan's arms.

She was admitted to Mellor Court on May 15 for respite care after her son, Jack, from East Sussex, found it difficult to continue caring for her. She was transferred to another home on May 28 following concerns about her care and was "happier".

All 25 residents at Mellor Court were examined and interviewed during the investigation. No cases of ill-treatment were identified, but the home closed after social services stopped sending people to it.

Former owner Margaret Smith said: "I feel deeply sorry for the family. The allegations were investigated fully and the staff were cleared. All of them now work in other care homes.

"I think Ms Sullivan bruised very, very easily as all elderly people do. All the staff were trained in how to handle the residents. This has been very distressing for us."

Recording a verdict of death by natural causes coroner John Pollard said he did not believe Ms Sullivan's injuries contributed to her death. However, he criticised her care for falling short of what can be expected.

Ms Sullivan's son, Jack, was ill and did not attend the inquest. Her niece, Margaret Leech, said: "I think it is terrible that she should end her life in such a way. I would like to see further action taken and someone held to account for what happened."